8 A
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2017
Lane County Health Department warns against use of kratom
“All-natural” product marketed for its healing properties has been linked to 36 deaths
The Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) issued a strong warning last
week to consumers to stay away from
the botanical product known as
kratom, citing 36 deaths linked to
products containing the substance.
Since kratom has not been approved
by the FDA for many of the uses it is
being advertised for and is available in
Lane County without age restriction,
Lane County Public Health (LCPH) is
urging residents not to purchase or use
kratom until the FDA has made a final
determination on its safety.
“While there is a growing body of
evidence which suggests kratom can
be harmful and even fatal, the most
troubling aspect is what we don’t
know,” said Senior Community Health
Analyst,
Elisabeth
Maxwell.
“Products such as kratom which have based product. The FDA knows peo-
clearly
demonstrated
potency and some level of
toxicity need to undergo
the level of testing which
will insure the safety of
those who choose to use
it.”
Kratom is a plant that
grows
naturally
in
Thailand,
Malaysia,
Indonesia and Papua New
Guinea.
It has gained popularity
in the U.S., with some mar-
— Name County Health Dept.
keters touting it as a “safe”
treatment with broad heal-
ing properties.
Proponents argue that it’s a safe ple are using kratom to treat condi-
substance largely because it’s a plant- tions like pain, anxiety and depression,
which are serious medical conditions
that require proper diagnosis and
oversight from a licensed health
care provider.
This substance is being actively
marketed and distributed for these
purposes.
Importantly, evidence shows
that kratom has similar effects to
narcotics like opioids, and carries
similar risks of abuse, addiction
and in some cases, death. Thus,
it’s not surprising that often
kratom is taken recreationally by
users for its euphoric effects.
Since the nation has hit a criti-
cal point in the opioid epidemic,
the increasing use of kratom as an
alternative or adjunct to opioid use is
extremely concerning.
Evidence shows that
kratom has similar effects
to narcotics like opioids,
and carries similar risks
of abuse, addiction and
in some cases, death.
The herb is banned in several states,
including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana,
Tennessee and Wisconsin. Currently,
the FDA is treating kratom as an unap-
proved drug and also has taken action
against kratom-containing dietary sup-
plements. Meanwhile, the FDA is
working to prevent shipments of
kratom from entering the country.
“Our primary concern is for the
safety of the people of Lane County,”
added Lane County Chief Health
Officer, Dr. Patrick Luedtke. “If in the
future, studies indicate a safe and
effective way for people to use kratom
for a medically beneficial purpose we
will reevaluate, but at this point the
potential loss of life is too great of risk
for us not to warn folks.”
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